These outdoor art activities are just what you need to add to your collection of art projects for kids!
I’m a firm believer that art can, and should, be taken outdoors throughout the year! Even something simple, like crayons and paper, takes on a different dimension when outside.
These outdoor art projects encourage young children to really explore various art techniques! There’s less stress over the clean up, and there’s more room to move as they create.
On top of that, the outside art ideas also incorporate a variety of early learning skills. So the kids are practicing those important concepts while having a blast.
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Related: Outdoor Messy Play Ideas
I know the inclination is to set up these art activities during the summertime. And there’s nothing wrong with that! But I also highly recommend trying some during spring, fall, and even winter.
Get the kids dressed appropriately, grab the art materials you want to use, and head outside!
What Are the Benefits of Taking Art Outside?
Oh, I think there are so many benefits to participating in outdoor art activities with the children! Sometimes everyone, even the adults, need a break from being together inside. Moving art outside allows for a nice change of scenery, if nothing else!
Of course, there are even more pros to this idea. Here are a few to consider:
- Fresh air for everyone
- A little time out in the sun, if it’s out
- More space to move around
- Easier cleanup (usually)
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And then there are all the benefits to art in general:
- Creativity
- Color identification and theory
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor skills
- Cooperation
- Conversation
- Visual discrimination
- Cause and effect
Mind you, neither of the above lists are exhaustive. There are so many other great reasons to creative outside with the kids. What do you think is missing from the lists?
Tips for Outdoor Art Projects
Now that you know WHY you should give outdoor art activities a try, let’s talk about a few related tips:
- Have a plan for getting the materials you need to and from your outdoor space. Even better, get the kids involved in the plan!
- Set up near a water source, or in an area that’s easy to clean up.
- Keep some items on-hand in case the children need to wipe their hands or make quick clean ups.
- Explain your expectations ahead of time so your students know.
- Make sure the kids are wearing clothes that are appropriate for the weather AND for the art they’re doing.
Do you have any tips you’d add to this list?
Outdoor Art Activities
Without further ado, let’s jump into the outdoor art ideas. Click on the links of the projects you’re most interested in for detailed directions and specific supply lists.
Clik here to view.
- Make catapult art to creatively explore multiple science and art concepts with your students.
- Grab a simple household item and set up a fly swatter painting invitation outside.
- Try one of our favorite outdoor art activities with a splat art experience.
- Tricycle circle artwork definitely belongs outside on a giant canvas.
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- Try snow painting with water balloons the next time you get a big snowfall. Or try it out on a large piece of butcher paper any time of year.
- Use those same balloons for water balloon color mixing art.
- Think outside the box and give painting with coconuts a try! It’s like a big version of marble painting.
- Or what about adding squirt gun painting to your collection of outdoor art activities?
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- Try a very unique outside art idea – car painting for kids!
- Colored salt process art is just right for your outdoor art activities!
- Use frozen paint cubes to create colorful art with the children.
- Give pinwheel painting a try using a variety of colors and paints.
Clik here to view.
- Make a spray bottle mural with your students out on the playground.
- Or give this water shooter tie-dye activity a go!
- Painting with your feet is a fun and different way to create with the kids.
- These painted ice crystals look amazing in the snow, but you can definitely give them a try at other times of the year.
So, which of these fun outdoor art activities are you going to try first?
More Thematic Art Ideas for Kids
Here are a few more art collections I’ve put together, in case you’d like even more ideas:
Be sure to save this post for future reference! If you have an Art and Crafts Pinterest board, that’s a great place to start.
Resources About the Great Outdoors
We created my sister site, Preschool Teacher 101, with the intension of making teachers’ lives a little easier. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of preschool and kindergarten teachers do just that with lesson plans, teacher guides, math games, and so much more.
I think the following resources would go well with the outdoor art activities shared above. Click on the images to get them:
Be sure to check out The Pack, our Preschool Teacher 101 membership. Members have access to our materials at a steeply discounted rate!
You can also find us on Teachers Pay Teachers.
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Originally published May 2015.
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